When I begin a project, whether it's hand or machine, knitting or embroidery- the first step of taking the idea to the fabric is in threading the needle. So it is with this blog. Putting the ideas down- sending them out there- That's what this is about. I hope you come visit often.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end,"Ursula K. Le Guin

I just spent about an hour on a post I deleted. I was talking about what I'm making now- that doesn't really matter. What I really want to talk about is how we are all on the journey- and the things we do that we love- are the reasons we are traveling. And being aware of that is important.So I make stuff- and some of it is needed and loved- and some of it ends up in the back of the drawer. It's about the process- the journey, the IDEA. It's also about the finished project- and the blessings that object sends into the world.Making things has two sides- my side is the creative rush- the flurry of 'Oh- I have an idea' through to the wrapping it in noisy tissue paper so it rustles when the new owner opens it. Or the happiness that the place mats I knit for our dinner trays gives me at dinner time.The other side is knowing that the love and care, and, hopefully, thoughtfulness I put into making something goes out into the world and makes the recipient feel loved and cherished. That putting on those fingerless gloves reminds Zoe I love her-Noah's hat keeps his ears and his heart warm- or wrapping the shawl around her makes Bev realize she's not alone. That the work of making things puts a little more love into the world.

I like my surroundings to be touched with sentiment- so my husband's baby shoes have a place of honor- right next to my dog-eared copy of Franny and Zooey. My parents both painted and their artwork is on my walls- along with newer works by my oh-so talented son and mother-in-law. But I don't like a lot of clutter. (Which is my constant battle, by the way). I hope the things I make will stand the test of sentiment/practicality. But if they don't- pass them on to someone else. And I really want to mean that. (If my kids give away any 'important' stuff, it will hurt my feelings, though-just being honest here)

So the double edged joy of making stuff comes from sending my love and care out into your world- so you are reminded by that baby hat or blanket that I treasure you in my life, and the pure joy I get from the process itself. It's about the Journey and the Destination. It's about the time it takes and the love it makes-